Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF-55) Water Filters

ClearPlusWH-KDF Whole House KDF-55 / GAC Filter Package

Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) is a high-purity copper-zinc formulation that uses a basic chemical process known as redox (oxidation/reduction) to remove chlorine, lead, mercury, iron, and hydrogen sulfide from water supplies. The process also has a mild anti-bacterial, algaecidic, and fungicidic effect and may reduce the accumulation of lime scale.

KDF process media is used in pre-treatment and primary treatment applications to supplement or replace existing technologies in order to extend system life and to reduce heavy metal, chlorine and hydrogen sulfide contamination. It is often combined with other technologies to achieve superior overall results. Because of its effectiveness at higher water temperatures, it is often used on shower water filtration systems to remove chlorine and other contaminants.

The technology was developed by KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc. in the mid 1980s and was patented in 1987. KDF filter media meets EPA and Food and Drug Administration standards for levels of zinc and copper in potable water, and is certified by NSF International to its Standard 61 for drinking water.

How KDF-55 Works

In short, the KDF redox process works by exchanging electrons with contaminants. This "give and take" of electrons converts many contaminants into harmless components. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new compounds are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components. Free chlorine, for instance, is changed into benign, water-soluble chloride salt, which is then carried harmlessly through the water supply. Many heavy metals such as copper, lead, mercury and others, react and bond with the KDF medium's surface, thus being effectively removed from the water supply.

Applications

KDF filters are used most often in conjunction with an activated carbon filter. They prolong the life and increase the effectiveness of carbon filters. They also supplement the activated carbon filters by removing certain heavy metals, something that carbon-based filters are not very effective at removing.

KDF is also frequently found in home showerhead filters because of its effectiveness at higher operating temperatures and flow rates.

What Contaminants Does KDF Remove?

KDF process media will reduce or remove chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, lead, mercury, magnesium, and chromium, and may inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Redox media remove up to 98% of water-soluble cations (positively-charged ions) of lead, mercury, copper, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved metals. While removal rates depend on a number of factors, more than 98% of chlorine is removed by KDF in home water treatment systems (90% in shower water filters due to high flow rate).

* Note: Chart below is based on KDF-55 combined with basic activated carbon filter. These filters do not handle particulate material very well, so they are often preceded by a sediment filter. Sediment pre-filters also prolong the activate carbon cartridge life by eliminating gross contaminants that would otherwise clog the activated carbon thereby reducing the surface area available for absorption. Carbon block filters are generally better than GAC filters at removing sediment.

Arsenic

BacteriaandViruses

Bad Tastes& Odors

Chlorine

Fluoride

HydrogenSulfide

Heavy Metals

Nitrates

Radon

Sediment

Iron

VOC's

*

*

= Effectively Removes = Significantly Reduces = Minimal or No Removal

For more specific information on contaminant removal by KDF filtration and a comparison to other filter / purification technologies, please CLICK HERE.

Advantages

effective removal of wide range of contaminants

cost effective

extend life and efficiency of carbon (GAC) filters

remains effective at higher water temperatures

Disadvantages

best when combined with other filtration technologies for full spectrum protection

KDF filters require little or no maintenance. It is recommended that they be replaced approximately every 8 months to 1 year, depending on the application. To reduce fouling and pre-mature expiry of your KDF filter, if your water supply has a high sediment content / turbidity, you should consider a sediment pre-filter (whole-house or point of use).

Frequently Asked Questions About KDF

1. What is KDF?Kinetic Degradation Fluxion (KDF) is a high-purity copper-zinc formulation that uses a basic chemical process known as redox (oxidation/reduction) to remove chlorine, lead, mercury, iron, and hydrogen sulfide from water supplies.

2. How does KDF Work?In short, the KDF redox process works by exchanging electrons with contaminants. This "give and take" of electrons converts many contaminants into harmless components. During this reaction, electrons are transferred between molecules, and new elements are created. Some harmful contaminants are changed into harmless components. Others are electrochemically bound to the KDF media.

3. What Contaminants Does KDF Remove?KDF process media works to reduce or remove chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide, lead, mercury, magnesium, and chromium. It may also inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi. Redox media removes up to 98% of water-soluble cations (positively-charged ions) of lead, mercury, copper, nickel, chromium, and other dissolved metals. More than 98% of chlorine is generally removed.

4. Why is KDF used in shower water filters?KDF is frequently found in home showerhead filters because of its effectiveness at higher operating temperatures and flow rates.